Local cowboy Ryan Franklin comes off his bull during Thursday's Rooftop Rodeo. "My dad is full-throttle," said the Estes Park High School grad. "I don't know if my mom or my girlfriend is worse about worrying."

A bullrider looks forward to the protection of his kevlar vest and helmet as a bull flicks him off. The 1,500-pound bovine athletes tested all of the protective equipment, dislodging all riders on Saturday night.

A cowboy hits the ground hard on Thursday and looked doomed, but was not stomped. Bull riders are in the most danger when on the ground, which is why bullriders are required to wear kevlar vests and many now where helmets.